Bicentennial Man

at ABC George Street January 2000

Frankly, I can’t bear Robin Williams. I find his specialist subject of schmulzy sentimentality turns me right off. When I decided to go and see this movie, I had no idea he was in it, and when I found out, by this point comfortably seated in front of a large popcorn, I was understandably dubious. However, I was in for a pleasant surprise.

Bicentennial Man is about a family of ‘the not too distant future’ who buy a robot as a home help - every family will have one, we are led to believe. However, this is a robot with a difference - not only does he bear a striking resemblance to Robin Williams, but he has human qualities that enable him to think independently and experience human feelings and emotions. His quest to fathom the nature of humanity leads him to search for the freedom to live independently and, finally, the right to be classed as a human being and to marry his human sweetheart (Embeth Davidtz). With the help of an eccentric scientist (Oliver Platt) Andrew transforms himself into a living, breathing, eating and yes, farting, human being.

Yes, very millennial, I hear you cry. And this is an interesting vision of a not too obscure and disbelievable future. The role of Andrew the robot leaves no room for Williams to become sickly, although it could be said that his fascination with two generations of women is ever so slightly incestuous. His frenetic comic outbursts are considerably curbed by the hefty aluminium suit that he wears, resulting in a more subdued and consequently more amusing humour than he normally spouts.

Visually the film is skillfully done, with some stunning special effects. Beginning in 2005 and ending in the distant 2205, Bicentennial Man has some fascinating visions of the cityscapes, landscapes and lifestyles of the future. Ignore the dodgy title and the dodgier lead actor and it’s a good movie.

Jane Labous

15/01/2000